Someone has ascended Teresa Weatherspoon’s throne at Chicago Sky! It’s Tyler Marsh — previously an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces. This Monday, he became the new head coach for the Sky after signing a multiyear contract with the team. No news TSpoon’s departure had left the Sky newbie heartbroken, but if we are to go by Sue Bird’s remark, Angel Reese might not find it all hard to accept the new coach.

During the latest episode of ‘A Touch More’, Sue Bird discussed a range of topics surrounding coaching vacancies across the WNBA. Of course, she mentioned the Sky. “Tyler Marsh, who was an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces, is somebody who’s known for their player development,” Sue shared, listing a few of Marsh’s traits that make him a standout.

The new HC has been on the Aces’ staff during their two consecutive championship titles in 2022 and 2023. He’ll be replacing Weatherspoon, who was fired two months ago, less than a year after her recruitment. Marsh’s understanding of the game and the ability to connect with his players set him apart for the Sky management. That is a point that comes about as Bird names Jackie Young’s experience.

“Somebody who Jackie Young really gives a ton of credit for… just changed her game, and he’s been named at the Chicago Sky,” added Sue, giving examples of Marsh’s impact on player development.

Of course, she’s right. ‘‘Truly changed my career. Forever thankful for you,” Young had written on X before the announcement. Marsh was instrumental in helping Jackie Young improve her shooting accuracy– 25% to 43.1 in one year. He played a key role in Young’s path to winning the 2022 WNBA Most Improved Player award and being named an All-Star for three consecutive seasons. In fact, she has even surged to an average of at least 15 points per game.

Shooting accuracy is something Angel Reese has been struggling with herself, going 18.8% this season and 15.6% through her college. So it is something the 22-year-old will be focusing on improving this upcoming season and Marsh’s addition might just do the trick. But right alongside, the new HC will also be expected to develop the young talents on the roster — Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Chennedy Carter, a 2024 Most Improved Player contender. But, why Reese might have been hesitant about accepting him?

Angel Reese’s strong bond with her former coach

The former No. 7 pick’s reaction to Weatherspoon’s dismissal made it clear she was riding a roller coaster of emotions. In a September 26 post on X, she shared that she was “heartbroken” over the announcement and felt her coach “didn’t deserve” to leave the Sky unexpectedly. Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca shared that it was the lack of experience that led to the firing, fueling rumors suggesting that might be the reason veteran free agents might hesitate to sign.

But the Chi-Town Barbie found it a hard pill to swallow. “Can’t imagine playing for Sky without [Weatherspoon],” she told ‘Chicago Sun-Times’ reporter Annie Costabile. Since then, her decision to continue with the Sky after Weatherspoon’s firing has been eagerly anticipated.

But the 22-year-old Maryland native had a positive reaction to the hiring of the new head coach. As soon as she got the news, she took to her Twitter account and reacted, “W.” Whether the team will adjust to this new coaching experience remains to be seen!